WHY THE SUN IS BAD FOR YOU

The truth about a suntan

There is no such thing as a healthy tan! The skin produces a dark-coloured pigment, melanin, as a shield against further damage from UV radiation, it is a sign that your skin has been damaged and has attempted to protect itself.

Sunburn

High doses of UV radiation kill most of the skin cells in the upper skin layer, and cells that are not killed get damaged. In its mildest form, sunburn consists of a reddening of the skin called erythema. This appears shortly after UV radiation exposure and reaches a maximum intensity between 8 and 24 hours. It then fades over the course of a few days. However, a strong sunburn may cause the skin to blister and peel, which is not only painful but also leaves the very white and new skin underneath unprotected and even more prone to UV damage. Chronic exposure to UV radiation also causes a number of degenerative changes in the cells, fibrous tissue and blood vessels of the skin.

DAMAGE SUNBURN CAN COUSE:

Photosensitivity

A small percentage of the population has a skin condition that makes them particularly sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. A minimal dose of UV radiation is sufficient to trigger an allergic reaction leading to rash or severe sunburn.

Photosensitivity is often associated with the use of certain medications, including some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, tranquillizers, oral anti-diabetics, antibiotics and antidepressants. If you take any medication on a regular basis, please refer to the package insert for the product or consult your health care provider about possible photosensitivity reactions.

Some foods and cosmetic products like fragrances and soaps may also contain ingredients that cause or aggravate the photosensitivity condition.

The wrinkle factor

Sun exposure promotes the ageing of your skin due to a combination of several factors. UVB stimulates cell proliferation in the outer layer of the skin. As more and more cells are produced the epidermis thickens. UVA penetrating into the deeper skin layers disturbs the connective tissue: the skin gradually loses its elasticity – wrinkles, sags and bags are the common result of this loss of elasticity. The sun’s ray also dries out the skin making it coarse and leathery.

Non-melanoma skin cancers

The non-melanoma skin cancers basal and squamous cell carcinoma are not usually fatal but surgical treatment can be painful and result in scars. Non-melanoma skin cancers are most frequent on those parts of the body that are commonly exposed to the sun such as ears, face, neck and forearms.

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer. Their reported incidence has drastically increased over the past two decades and continues to rise. They usually appear as a red lump or scaly area. They grow slowly, rarely spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and can be removed surgically.

Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common form of skin cancer. They appear as a thickened red scaly spot at body sites most often exposed to UV radiation. As they sometimes metastasize they are more dangerous than basal cell carcinomas. However, they also tend to be slow growing and can usually be removed surgically before they become a serious risk.

Malignant Melanoma skin cancers

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and is one of the most common cancers in countries such as Australia and South Africa. All forms of skin cancer have been on the increase over the past twenty years, however, the highest rate of increase worldwide is noted for malignant melanoma.

Malignant melanoma may arise as a new mole or as changes in colour, shape, size in an old spot, freckle or mole. Melanomas tend to have an irregular outline and a patchy colouring. Itching is another

common symptom but is also found in normal moles. If recognised and treated early, the chances of survival are good. If untreated, the tumour can develop rapidly, and cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant melanoma is more common among people with a pale complexion, blue eyes, and red or fair hair but everyone should take precautions to protect their skin from excessive UV exposure.

Check regularly for any mole that grows, changes shape or colour, is inflamed or itchy, weeps or bleeds

UV EFFECTS ON THE EYE

Bright light activates the constriction of the pupil and the squinting reflex to minimize the penetration of the sun’s rays into the eye. The effectiveness of this in protecting against the dangers of UV radiation is limited under extreme conditions such as sunbed use or strong ground reflection from sand, water and snow.

Acute effects of UV radiation exposure include photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis. These inflammatory reactions are comparable to a sunburn of the very sensitive skin-like tissues of the eyeball and eyelids, and usually appear within a few hours of exposure. Both can be very painful, but are reversible and do not result in any long-term damage to the eye or vision. Extreme forms of photokeratitis are ‘arc-eye’ and ’snow blindness’.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Proteins in the eye’s lens unravel, tangle and accumulate pigments that cloud the lens and eventually lead to blindness. Even though cataracts appear to different degrees in most individuals as they age, sun exposure, in particular exposure to UVB, appears to be a major risk factor for cataract development.

Every year some 16 million people in the world suffer from blindness due to a loss of transparency in the lens. WHO estimates suggest that up to 20 per cent of cataracts may be caused by overexposure to UV radiation and are therefore avoidable.

Cancer of the eye

Current scientific evidence suggests that different forms of eye cancer may be associated with life-long exposure to the sun. Malignant Melanoma is the most frequent malignant cancer of the eyeball and sometimes requires surgical removal. A common location for basal cell carcinoma is on the eyelids.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CARIBBEAN TAN CONTACT US ON:

011.327.4490

info@somabodytherapy.co.za

www.somabodytherapy.co.za

WHY CHOOSE CARIBBEAN TAN?

The ultimate sunless tanning method Caribbean tan has introduced the first truly innovative breakthrough in self tanning over 40 years, and has virtually eliminated the problems associated with sunless tanning. Quick, Easy, Perfect Benefits of Caribbean Tan

Nourish and rejuvenate the skin

Anti-oxidant (contains Green tea)

Anti -ageing

Helps prevent photo damage

Promotes skin elasticity

It is advised to schedule an appointment once a week to maintain a tanned, healthy glow.

Pre and Post Tan Maintenance

Although this type of tanning is relatively quick and easy, there are a number of very important things to do and think about before and after doing your tan.  If you’re interested in doing a Caribbean Tan with us, please contact the office and make an appointment.

BENEFITS OF CARIBBEAN TAN

What is Caribbean Tan:

Caribbean Tan is a sunless tanning product, it is are completely safe to use and in fact is much healthier than the use of sun-beds and direct exposure to the sun.

Caribbean Tan brings you the perfect way to achieve a natural healthy bronzed look. All around the world, tanners are switching off their sun beds, throwing out their self tanning creams, avoiding the harsh sun and converting to Caribbean Tan.

Benefits of Caribbean Tan:

No dirty patches

No streaking

No orange hands

No premature ageing

No UV skin damage

…just a beautiful, seamless all-over body tan in 20 MINUTES.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARIBBEAN TAN CONTACT US ON:

011.327.4490

info@somabodytherapy.co.za

www.somabodytherapy.co.za

CARIBBEAN TAN from Soma Body Therapy

(011)327-4490

Caribbean Tan is applied by a trained professional or by one’s self using specially formulated home products.

• No dirty patches
• No streaking
• No orange hands
• No premature ageing
• No UV skin damage 

…just a seamless, all-over body tan in 20 MINUTES.

To book your Caribbean Tan please phone us on:

(011)327-4490

info@somabodytherapy.co.za

www.somabodytherapy.co.za